On the afternoon of May 27th, in the Persian Gulf region, the sky was high and the clouds were clear, and the waves were boundless. More than a hundred poets from Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Oceania, China and the United Arab Emirates gathered at the Dubai National Library to witness the opening of the 5th Silk Road International Poetry and Art Festival in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Members of the Dubai royal family and officials from the cultural and artistic departments, as well as honorary chairpersons Huang Yazhou, Adel Khozam, and Vadim Terekhin of the 5th Silk Road International Poetry and Art Festival, festival chairman Wang Fangwen, and executive chairman Cao Shui, attended the meeting.
Max Lu, Chairman of the United Nations World Silk Road Forum, delivered a video speech and awarded His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Dubai Sheikh, the honorary title of “The Spiritual and Literary Inspirational Figure for Silk Road Poets”.
Max Lu, Chairman of the United Nations World Silk Road Forum, said:
“China and UAE are two great countries on the Silk Road. Many years ago, Chinese silk, tea, porcelain, and other goods passed through the Silk Road and arrived in the Middle East. The Chinese and Arab peoples have long formed a deep friendship. Today’s Dubai is under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it has become one of the most prosperous modern city in the world, the city of the Silk Road, and the city of poetry. His poetry has been widely recited in the Arab world, and the shining love, wisdom, and philosophical inspiration have inspired countless souls. The United Nations World Silk Road Forum has decided to award His Highness the title of “The Spiritual and Literary Inspirational Figure for Silk Road Poets”, which will surely encourage more people to work hard to promote the great world Silk Road cultural heritage and promote world peace and prosperity! Wishing the great Dubai continued prosperity, wealth, and beauty under His Highness leadership.”
At the meeting, poets recited poems by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, including “Positive Spirit”, “Youth’s Determination”, “I Hear the Echo of Your Voice”, as well as Huang Yazhou’s “Silk of China, the Glow of the World”, Wang Fangwen’s “Distant Camel Bell”, and Bian Haiyun’s “To His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum”.
At the meeting, Huang Yazhou, Honorary Chairman of the 5th Silk Road Poetry Festival and Vice Chairman of the 6th China Writers Association, delivered a speech:
Meeting is a poem, and meeting is the most lyrical part of a poem. Today, we gather in Dubai, the Silk Road City, from all over the world in the name of poetry. In this poetic atmosphere, please allow me to extend warm congratulations on the grand opening of the 5th Silk Road International Poetry and Art Festival and sincere greetings to poet friends from all over the world.
The Book of Songs, which was personally compiled by the great Chinese philosopher Confucius, has a history of over 2500 years. Poetry is a cultural gene deeply rooted in the bloodline of our nation; In the charming city of Dubai, UAE, poetry is also a treasure flowing in the national blood.
We know that in ancient times, literature in the Arabian Peninsula was mainly passed down through oral recitation. Nabati poetry and Bedouin narrative ballads constitute the essence of traditional poetry in the United Arab Emirates, recording the various lifestyles of tribal residents and inheriting the memory and spirit of the nation. In the 19th century, influenced by the revival of Arab literature, UAE literature became increasingly diverse in form and unique in style. On this magical land, numerous outstanding poets have been nurtured, with twinkling stars,. Very charming. For example, Habib Saiig, known as the “pioneer of modern poetry in the Gulf,” created ten poetry collections throughout his life, with innovative techniques and beautiful rhythms; For example, Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, regarded as the “pioneer of Nabati poetry”, is known as the “Arab girl” and the “moon of UAE poetry”. Her poetic rhythm intoxicates us; For example, today, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, not only leads Dubai to glory in the political and economic fields, transforming it from a desert town into a globally renowned modern international metropolis, but also plays an important role in the cultural and artistic fields under the influence of an outstanding poet. What impressed me the most was his patriotic poem titled “Days of a Nation”, in which he wrote the following line: “Our lifespan may not last a hundred years, but our creativity can leave a lasting legacy after our death.” The lines between the lines are filled with love for the country and understanding of human nature.
Friends, over two thousand years ago, the great Silk Road connected us with Dubai. Therefore, when we talk about the ancient Arab poem Nabati, the cultural people in this land may also be surprised to talk about Li Bai, Du Fu, and Tang Dynasty poetry.
Indeed, poetry allows us to have a telepathic connection with each other, more than two thousand years ago and even more so now. When it comes to poetry, our hands come together, our hearts melt together, and the dove symbolizing peace and friendship flies up from our feet.
Finally, let us sincerely thank the UAE host for their efforts in hosting this poetry festival. We wish this year’s Silk Road International Poetry Festival a complete success, and may Dubai’s great and moving poem not only play in our hearts today, but also in countless days to come.
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, member of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, delivered a speech:
It is my honor to share in your joy as the United Nations World Silk Road Forum names His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the “Inspiring Literary Figure for the Poets of the Silk Road.” This distinction is not only a tribute to his poetic presence but a global recognition of a visionary leader who has devoted his life to the renaissance of his nation, transforming Dubai into a global platform for innovation, tolerance, and cultural dialogue.
We warmly welcome you to the Mohammed bin Rashid Library—this landmark of knowledge that bears the name of a leader who believed that words can build cities, and that poetry can be a path to development and a bridge between civilizations.
His Highness envisioned this library as a beacon of knowledge that embodies his core values: openness, diversity, mutual respect, and human connectivity that transcends borders. Since its inauguration, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library has stood as a civilizational model that reflects the UAE’s aspirations to place knowledge at the heart of a sustainable future, and to foster a culture where reading becomes a way of life.
In alignment with this vision, we have strived to make the library a home for all cultures. Its shelves now hold books in over ten languages, among them a distinguished collection of Chinese titles. We take pride in hosting Chinese literary, philosophical, artistic, and historical works—resources that serve a growing community of Chinese language learners across the UAE, from universities and institutes to schools and cultural centers.
The Chinese Book Corner has become a living window into a civilization that spans thousands of years, and a powerful tool for strengthening cultural understanding between the Emirati and Chinese peoples. We deeply thank you for your generous donation of additional publications, which will undoubtedly enrich this collection and support our shared belief that cultural exchange is key to building a more peaceful and cooperative global future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Hosting this international poetry festival—featuring some of the world’s most distinguished poetic voices—is a natural extension of the library’s mission to support major cultural initiatives and to affirm Dubai’s position as a global capital of culture, thought, and creativity.
Welcome to Dubai, the City of the Word, the cradle of verse, and a vibrant home for innovation and creators.
Speech by Adel Khozam, Honorary Chairman of the 5th World Silk Road Poetry Festival and famous UAE poet:
At the outset, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, on being chosen as the inspirational literary figure for the poets of the World Silk Road Forum.
This is a great honor for all forum poets around the globe and a tribute to all participants in this year’s edition of the festival, which has seen the awards extended to nearly 100 poets from across the five continents, including 12 winners from the UAE.Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished guests and friends, members of the World Silk Road Poets Forum,
Dear audience,Today, we stand in the presence of poetry, and in the presence of a city unlike any other—a city that resembles an unending poem.
We gather on the threshold of meaning, in this exceptional cultural edifice—Mohammed bin Rashid Library—to celebrate what lies beyond words: to honor the vision of an extraordinary man who shaped a city that rose to the level of poetry.Speaking about His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is not merely recounting the biography of an inspiring poet—it is a contemplation of a global phenomenon that may never recur.
He is a man of comprehensive vision, who fills every void with light and love.
In this vision, His Highness appears as a statesman of the highest order, working alongside his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to position the country as a beacon of goodness, peace, and human dignity.He is also a man of security, with a poet’s heart. He turned Dubai into an unparalleled oasis of safety, making it one of the safest cities in the world. Where there is safety, creativity flourishes, and poetry reveals its most beautiful forms.
And he is a man of economy, transforming Dubai into a global economic capital, a city of the future, and a land for dreamers in innovation and renewal. Creativity requires fertile ground to thrive, and His Highness has provided such a rich environment.
This vision is completed by the profound cultural depth we see in his poetry—words that have imbued his leadership with a noble aura. His poetic spirit has shaped Dubai itself; we see poetry in its architecture, feel its rhythm in the streets, and admire its creative imagery in everyday details.
His Highness has inspired us with poems that speak to the human conscience, pulsing with loyalty, wisdom, and openness. His words have resonated with thousands of poets across the Gulf and the Arab world. Today, his poems inspire poets from every continent and culture, who have come to Dubai to gather under the banner of poetry, in the spirit of the Silk Road.
We are celebrating today in a library that bears the name of this leader—Mohammed bin Rashid Library. It is not just a building, but one of dozens of cultural initiatives established by His Highness to serve human consciousness, embed the habit of reading, honor Arab talent, and spread hope everywhere.
In Dubai, culture and economy are integrated, and poetry aligns with vision. We stand before a unique model of civilization where the city appears as an Emirati dream—rooted in Arab heritage, extending globally, and expressed poetically.
This is Dubai. This is Mohammed bin Rashid. This is poetry when it transforms into civilization.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for supporting the festival in Dubai, to the Government of Dubai Media Office, and to all who contributed to the success of this exceptional event.
Wang Fangwen (People’s Republic of China), Chairperson of the 5th Silk Road International Poetry Festival and President of the Silk Road International Poets Federation, delivered a speech at the meeting:
In this beautiful season of blooming phoenix flowers, we cross mountains and rivers from all over the world, gathering in the dazzling Silk Road city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to celebrate the grand opening of the 5th Silk Road International Poetry Festival. On behalf of the International Poetry Committee of the United Nations World Silk Road Forum and the International Federation of Silk Road Poets, I extend our warmest welcome and warm greetings to every friend present at the event! And we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Dubai Royal Office, the National Department of Culture and Arts, and the poet friends who have provided strong support for this poetry festival event!
She continued: The Silk Road is a common cultural heritage of humanity around the world, serving as a link between Eastern and Western civilizations. It not only carries the circulation of goods, but also conveys the integration of Eastern and Western cultures and the resonance of the soul. Poetry, as the most beautiful flower in the human soul, has always accompanied the footsteps of the Silk Road and shone brightly in the long river of history. From our ancient Chang’an to the prosperous Dubai, from the vast desert to the blue sea, poetry has always witnessed the life styles, cultural heritage and spiritual pursuit of the people of the countries along the Silk Road. Countless poets throughout history have used their talents and inspirations to compose touching chapters, recording the pulse of the times and the inspiration of humanity. The Silk Road is the longest road of poetry in the world.
In the past, we held four sessions of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival, held in Spain, Russia, and Xi’an. Together, we enjoyed the beautiful poems of many poets from five continents, felt the powerful power of poetry across language, national borders, and cultural differences, and also experienced the pure and beautiful friendship between poets from different countries.
Every Silk Road International Poetry and Art Festival, we carefully select a Silk Road city with profound cultural heritage as the venue. This year, we have focused our attention on Dubai. Dubai, this dazzling pearl located in West Asia, serves as the city in the middle of the Silk Road, Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it has developed into a modern international metropolis. What’s even more rare is that His Highness himself is a great poet, and his works have a profound influence and powerful appeal in the Arab world, China, and even the world. We are familiar with his famous sayings, such as “The desert is a school.” or “Innovation is not a luxury, it is the secret to the rejuvenation of a country and a nation. This also adds a unique cultural charm to our fifth poetry festival.
Today, following the camel bell ringing from the west gate of Chang’an and listening to the call of the Persian Gulf sea breeze, poets, scholars, reciters, and calligraphers and painters from five continents of the world gathered in the heart of Europe, Asia, and Africa – Dubai. This is not only an important node on the ancient Silk Road, but also a magnificent stage for the collision of Eastern and Western cultures. Let us take poetry as a boat, crossing thousands of years of time, in the hometown of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, listening to each other’s deep soul lamentations; With words as wings, crossing thousands of miles of stars, sharing the passion and emotion of poetry creation on this land that integrates world civilization.
The 5th Silk Road International Poetry Festival, with the strong support of the host Dubai, is a feast for poetry, a cultural dialogue, and a collision of hearts. Poets and poetry enthusiasts from all over the world bring different language styles, creative concepts, and cultural backgrounds. I have always believed that poetry can be connected, just like the world’s longitude and latitude lines intertwine. We look forward to experiencing the warmth and power of poetry in every inch of the city during this unforgettable Dubai Poetry Festival, through exchanges with poets from the UAE and other countries. I believe that when the rhythm of poetry resonates with the moonlight at the top of Dubai Tower, and when the poet’s brushstrokes resonate with the waves of the Persian Gulf, everyone will surely burst out spiritually, and poetry will be like a gushing spring. Let us weave the silk road brocade of the new era together with poetic lines, and let the spark of art illuminate the path forward for a community with a shared future for mankind!
Finally, I sincerely wish the 5th Silk Road International Poetry and Art Festival a complete success! Wishing everyone to swim freely in the ocean of poetry, harvest poetic inspiration, harvest pure friendship, and harvest heartfelt emotions.
Cao Shui, Executive Chairman of the 5th Silk Road International Poets Federation and China Coordinator of the BRICS Writers Association, delivered a speech:
When I was a child, I fantasized about traveling from Chang’an in Asia to Rome in Europe along the ancient Silk Road, passing through Arabia because it was once the center of the world. Today my dream came true, I met everyone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Before arriving in Dubai, I had imagined the Burj Khalifa, and I had written poems for this modern Tower of Babel multiple times. We all know the story of the Tower of Babel. When people came to build the Tower of Babel, God knew that and disrupted their language. People stopped building it because they couldn’t communicate, and they dispersed around the world, becoming more than two thousand ethnic groups. We come from the same place, and we will eventually come to the same place. This is also the theme of my “Epic of Eurasia”, and of course, it is also the theme of Manseerah, “Epic of Humanity” created by Adel Khozam, who organized 86 famous artists from around the world. He created the beginning of this poem, and I created the end. In the second half, we will tell everyone. This is also the core proposition of the Great Poetry Movement that I advocate, which integrates ancient and modern cultures, integrates East and West cultures, and integrates sacred and secular cultures.
I would like to deeply thank my friend, the poet Adel Khozam, the Honorary President and partner of this year’s festival edition, who made exceptional efforts to ensure the festival’s success. He coordinated our participation, selected the poems, nominated the winners from the United Arab Emirates, and prepared the cultural materials about the UAE for the World Poets magazine.
With his support, I translated three poems and the articles dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the inspiring figure for the Poets of the Silk Road. I was profoundly moved by His Highness’s poetry, As he wrote in ‘I Hear the Echo of Your Voice’: And I go astray in a desert with no destination, And I go astray in a world mysterious，and for that reason, I hope to translate his complete collection Poems from the Desert into Chinese.
Today’s world is a globalized world, and Arab civilization originated from the ancient Babylonian civilization. There were once seven major civilizations on the Eurasian continent, from Babylon, westward to Canaan, Egypt, Greece, eastward to Persia, India, and China. We must break out of our own civilization and integrate into a new world civilization. Today under the Burj, the tallest building in the world, the modern Tower of Babel, we should believe that humanity originated from the same place and will inevitably move towards the same place.
At the meeting, outstanding poets from five continents were awarded the Poet Laureate Award, Golden Camel Award, Silver Camel Award, Poetry Film Award, Poetry Collection Award, Translation Award, Asian Poet of the Year Award, European Poet of the Year Award, African Poet of the Year Award, American Poet of the Year Award, Oceania Poet of the Year Award and other poetry awards. Poets and artists also presented books and calligraphy, painting, photography and other works to the Dubai Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
New Zealand poet Pei Yingjin, who won the Golden Camel Award this year, delivered a speech on behalf of all the award-winning poets: It is a great honor to stand on the podium. This award is not only for me personally, but also for those who silently cultivate and love poetry. They contribute to poetry and are willing to do a lot of work both on and off stage to promote it. The Silk Road began in the Han Dynasty of China, stretching from land to sea and then to the grasslands, where the country prospered. People exchange not only goods, but also cultural customs, understanding, and integration. Today, we must uphold the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, make friends through literature, promote global unity, and maintain peace. Today we gather in the dazzling Dubai, and next year we gather in another shining city on the Silk Road!
At the Chinese Book Corner of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, everyone was pleasantly surprised to discover the “Silk Road Far Away” series donated by Chinese poets during this poetry festival, as well as over a hundred poetry collections, novels, and more.
At the meeting, Vadim Terekhin, Chairman of the BRICS Writers Association, presented the BRICS Creator Order to Cao Shui, while Adel Khozam presented the Outstanding Contribution Award for Spreading World Silk Road Culture to Wang Fangwen on behalf of the United Nations World Silk Road Forum. Cao Shui and Wang Fangwen presented the Great Poetry Movement Medal to Vadim Terekhin.
The conference is supported and guided by the United Nations World Silk Road Forum, jointly organized by the International Poetry Committee of the United Nations World Silk Road Forum and the International Poets of the Silk Road, and co hosted by organizations such as the BRICS Writers Association, the Great Poetry Movement, and the World Poets magazine.
The most influential newspapers in the United Arab Emirates, such as The Union Newspaper, Dubai Newspaper, and Gulf Newspaper, have been reported by dozens of media outlets including China, Egypt, Lebanon, the European Union, and the United States.Dubai media also conducted special interviews with Honorary Chairman Adel Khozam, Chairperson Ms. Wang Fangwen (People’s Republic of China), and Executive Chairman Cao Shui.
